A dentist is often left up a creek without a paddle if they do not have a proper assistant. With a role that important, it's also important that the assistant works hard to be just as much of a dentist as the dentist themselves. Here are 12 ways to train the dentist assistant to work more like the dentist. These ways written with the help of orlando family dentist Dr. Gabriel Sangalang.
Keep them involved in the procedure actively
Make sure that they are following along, and not blindly responding to what you ask of them. If all they are doing is getting you tools or other dental necessities, then they are basically being treated as a tool.
Teach them things that a dentist must know
Teach them as many basics - or perhaps even advanced knowledge - that a dentist can and should know. As a dental assistant, they likely already know most of the basics, and it is best if you avoid insulting them by trying to teach them things that are considered "too basic", but everyone is going to have some things that they need to learn. After all, no one is perfect!
Treat them as an equal
Going back to the subject of not insulting them or treating them as though they were tools, you should definitely treat them as an equal partner in your dental work rather than a commodity to be used whenever needed. This inspires confidence for the assistant to not only do their current job better, but will also give them greater confidence to reach for greater heights.
Be strict and firm
"Give them an inch, and they'll take a mile." This is not always true, but it's true often enough that it is worth watching out for! Make sure that they know that this is a job, and that it is a job to be taken seriously.
Be loose and inviting
On the other hand, being too strict can create a stressful environment, and may make you fail to give them the impression that they are an equal partner in dental operations. Providing a nice balance between "too loose" and "too firm" is the best way to go about creating a workplace environment. So while you should make it feel like work, you should not try and make it an unpleasant place to be.
Ask of them to educate themselves
Expecting your dental assistant to try on their own to become more learned in the field of dentistry will make them go a long way and work harder.
Give them the educational tools that they need to further themselves
As a dentist, you have a lot of ways to train the dentist assistant at your disposal, but at some point, it is important - if the both of you are interested in the assistant becoming more than an assistant - in pushing them to further their career. Giving them tools and information to help them on their pursuit of knowledge is just as valuable as the information that you may have taught them already.
Encourage them to ask questions
Asking questions is paramount to proper education, and one of the best ways to train the dentist assistant to work more like them is to teach them that. While too many questions can be disruptive or obnoxious, an assistant showing a certain level of inquisitiveness is definitely good for you, your patient, and the assistant's future in dental care.
Focus on hiring dental assistants who are well-trained in more than just assistance
Sometimes, the best ways to train the dentist assistant into working more like a dentist is to find people who already know how to do that. This allows you to focus more of your effort, attention, and energy on your own work, and be able to trust that your dental assistant understands what's going on and what they need to do, and when.